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MLB draft takeaways: A hitter's haven, a family reunion, a Royal regret?
By GABE LACQUES USA Today Network at Waco Tribune-Herald
· July 13, 2026
· 1 min read
The draft saw a historic lean toward hitters, with 15 of the first 16 picks being position players, and pitchers selected mostly later due to injury and performance concerns among top arms.
Why this matters in The Waco
The recent MLB draft's emphasis on hitters could have implications for local baseball fans in Waco , who often follow the progress of Baylor University's baseball team. With 15 of the first 16 picks being position players, it's clear that teams are prioritizing bats over arms. This trend may influence how college programs like Baylor approach recruiting and player development, potentially leading to a greater focus on developing hitters. As the Baylor Bears look to compete in the Big 12 conference, they may need to adapt to this shift in the baseball landscape. Local fans will be watching to see how the team responds to this new era of hitter-heavy drafts and whether they can produce the kind of position players that are now in high demand. The draft's results may also impact the types of players that are recruited to play for the Bears in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by Waco Tribune-Herald . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Waco Tribune-Herald . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: Waco Tribune-Herald ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The draft saw a historic lean toward hitters, with 15 of the first 16 picks being position players, and pitchers selected mostly later due to injury and performance concerns among top arms.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by Waco Tribune-Herald and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by GABE LACQUES USA Today Network at Waco Tribune-Herald. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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